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Android M for Mystery

May 27, 2015

The grapevine has been a live-wire with buzz about Android M, the next big software update from Google. It’s only a few days away and contrary to what people may think, techies have a lot more information to gossip about, other than its possible name. Of course, we all know it’s going to start with an M. We also know that no matter what its internal codename is (Macadamia Nut Cookie), it bears zero resemblance to the actual name. For example, KitKat was codenamed, ‘Key Lime Pie’, whereas Lollipop was codenamed ‘Lemon Meringue Pie’. Many technology publications, however, have been at liberty to turn the mystery into a game of sorts, asking their readers to pick their favorite name. Many have zeroed in on ‘Marshmallow’, but we have a feeling it’ll be a more obscure sweet-treat; something like Marzipan or Macaroon.

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been many rumors and, dare we say, leaks that have given us fodder to last until the actual Google I/O event next week. One of the rumors has been regarding the possible release of a developers’ version of the software (much like in the case of Lollipop), with a final version being released sometime in August. It has also been rumored that the software update could see an improvement in battery life, with Google’s development team reducing RAM usage and power consumption when the device’s display is off.
A relatively new development in the rumor-mill has been what looks like the first-look of Android M’s photo app. According to the leaked information (which is supported by images and everything), Android M’s stock photo-viewing app could be simply called Photos, and is expected to have a more intuitive interface that makes gallery navigation and photo-editing easier. According to the images, one of the key features in Photos, is the inclusion of Assistant, which can be used to create collages, albums, and movies, as well as edit and apply effects to images. The app is also rumored to be able to automatically organize photos by face-matching, by day and by month.

So, what else do we know? Well, we also know something that Google itself “accidentally” confirmed. That Android M is going to offer something new to workplaces. In Google’s own words, “Android M is bringing the power of Android to all kinds of workplaces.” And the fact that the description has since been removed by Google, only adds fuel to the fire. Either that, or Google is messing with our heads and purposely “leaked” the listing, to distracts us from the actual gameplay.
Another rumor is that Android M will allow you to login to certain apps using fingerprints, rather than passwords. Of course, we must take into account that not all devices allow fingerprint sensors. The Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S5, and HTC One Max are some of the phones to contain not only some great picture and Pictures Transfer Apps, but also offer fingerprint sensitivity. If this rumor is indeed true, we can extrapolate it to mean that Google future Nexus devices could also contain fingerprint sensors.
There are many other rumors too. Like the possibility of the update being optimized to support “smart” home appliances (similar to how Android Wear is optimized just for wearables), and how it would offer better integration with Android Auto. If any of these rumors are true, it points to another thing… that Google is seriously looking into the Internet of Things. It is trying to slowly trying to move out of being exclusive to smartphones and tablets, and is looking at moving into home appliances and automotive.
Since the actual event is only a few days away, we wouldn’t have to wait too long to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction. That said, one thing is for sure, the pace at which Google is moving, reality would not be far from fiction.

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